Naga Hills Mountains

The Naga Hills are a mountainous region straddling the border area between India’s northeastern state of Nagaland and adjacent territory in Myanmar; they form part of the broader Patkai mountain complex. The hills are characterised by steep ridges, dense forests and valleys inhabited by various Naga peoples.

Historically the hills have been home to numerous Naga tribes with distinct languages and cultures; hill settlements and shifting cultivation have shaped the landscape for centuries. The area has also been a focus for colonial-era mapping and later regional administration.

The Naga Hills run across Nagaland and towards the international boundary with Myanmar, with Kohima among the nearest major urban centres on the Indian side and with a predominantly rugged, forested terrain linking to other ranges in the Northeast.

• Geographic context: The Naga Hills form part of the larger Patkai mountain system along the India-Myanmar frontier and are home to diverse tribal communities.

• Check permit requirements well before travel: Nagaland has entry regulations (Inner Line/permits) and many areas are on tribal land where visitors should register with local authorities.
• Plan travel for the dry season (roughly October-March) when mountain trails and border-area roads are most reliable; monsoon months make many tracks muddy or impassable.
• Hire a local guide or join community-led treks; many parts of the Naga Hills are culturally sensitive and guides help with navigation, permissions and respectful contact with villages.